Flower Power

The city of Wheat Ridge used to be known for its carnation plantations (in fact, growers there even supplied the White House), and although development has replaced many of the nurseries, the city still hosts the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival every year to celebrate the ubiquitous flower. But this year, the festival’s 44th, will include much more than floral adoration.

“We have everything from midget cars to the model-airplane show,” notes event chairwoman Cheri Jahn. “It’s got things for the little ones all the way up to adults, and it just is truly 100 percent a family event. And then, of course, you’ve got the circus.”

The circus is the Zoppé Family Italian Circus, which is only making a couple of stops in Colorado this year. “It’s a real bigtop,” Jahn notes. “Between the fireworks on two nights and everything else, it’s just a really great community and family celebration.”

The festival also includes an Italian car show, a petting zoo and rides for the kids. It runs today and tomorrow at Anderson Park, 44th Avenue and Field Street in Wheat Ridge; the circus is in town through August 25. Visit thecarnationfestival.com for more information.
Fri., Aug. 16, 4-11 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 17, 12-11 p.m., 2013